Chua Ba Da (Ba Da Pagoda), Hanoi

Entrance arch to Chua Ba Da (3 September 2006)

Chua Ba Da, or Ba Da Pagoda, is a small temple with pagoda in Hanoi. It is located at the end of a narrow alley off Nha Tho Street, the street that runs between the Ho Hoan Kiem and the St Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam. Chua Ba Da may be a bit difficult to find - I must admit that I went up and down Nha Tho Street a few times before I found the narrow gateway into the alley.

Chua Ba Da has taken different names in different times, including Tien Thi, Tu Thap and Huong Nghia, among others. It was constructed during in ancient Thang Long Kingdom, in Tho Xuong District. According to the stalae discovered in the grounds of the pagoda, Ba Da Pagoda was originally called Sung Khanh Pagoda. It was built in 1056AD, during the lunar Year of the Monkey, during the Ly Thanh Ton Dynasty. By the time of the Hong Duc Dynasty (1470-1498), the original pagoda had long disappeared. During the construction of the Thang Long citadel, workers discovered a stone statue of a woman at this site. That statue was considered sacred and was worshipped. That stone statue has since disappeared.

Getting there

I had a difficult time finding Chua Ba Da, so I hope my explanation will make it less troublesome for you. Chua Ba Da is located on Nha Tho Street, which runs from the west bank of the Ho Hoan Kiem, in the direction of the St Joseph's Cathedral. As you walk towards the cathedral, look for the gateway to the alley on the left side of the street. It is located next to No 5. Nha Tho Street. Once you find the gateway, you'll be able to find Chua Ba Da.